Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Certain Bills
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 9 of House Resolution 1232, I move to suspend the rules and pass, H.R. 1286, H.R. 2024, H.R. 3222, H.R. 6337, and H.R. 7002.
The Clerk read the titles of the bills.
The text of the bills are as follows: Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor Act of 2021 H.R. 1286
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) National heritage corridor.--The term ``National Heritage Corridor'' means the Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor established by section 3(a).
(2) Local coordinating entity.--The term ``Local Coordinating Entity'' means the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Corridor.
(3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means the management plan for the National Heritage Corridor required under section 5(a).
(4) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Southern Campaign of the Revolution Proposed National Heritage Corridor'', numbered 257/177,271, and dated September 2021.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.
(6) States.--The term ``States'' means the States of South Carolina and North Carolina. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF SOUTHERN CAMPAIGN OF THE REVOLUTION NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR.
(a) In General.--There is established the Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor in the States of North Carolina and South Carolina, as generally depicted on the map.
(b) Local Coordinating Entity.--The University of South Carolina shall serve as the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Corridor. SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Authorities.--For purposes of carrying out the management plan for the National Heritage Corridor, the Secretary acting through the local coordinating entity may use amounts made available under this Act--
(1) to make grants to the States or a political subdivision of the States, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(2) to enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide technical assistance to, the States or a political subdivision of the States, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties;
(3) to hire and compensate staff, which shall include individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical resources protection and heritage programming;
(4) to obtain money or services from any source, including any money or services that are provided under any other Federal law or program, provided that any money specifically authorized for National Heritage areas shall be subject to a 50 percent cost-share requirement;
(5) to contract for goods or services; and
(6) to undertake or be a catalyst for any other activity that furthers the purposes of the National Heritage Corridor and is consistent with the approved management plan.
(b) Duties.--The local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Corridor shall--
(1) in accordance with section 5, prepare and submit a management plan for the National Heritage Corridor to the Secretary;
(2) assist Federal agencies, the States or a political subdivision of the States, Indian Tribes, regional planning organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties in carrying out the approved management plan by--
(A) carrying out programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resource values in the National Heritage Corridor;
(B) establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits and programs in the National Heritage Corridor;
(C) developing recreational, interpretive, and educational opportunities in the National Heritage Corridor;
(D) increasing public awareness of, and appreciation for, natural, historical, scenic, and cultural resources of the National Heritage Corridor;
(E) protecting and restoring historic sites and buildings in the National Heritage Corridor that are consistent with the themes of the National Heritage Corridor;
(F) ensuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying points of public access and sites of interest are posted throughout the National Heritage Corridor; and
(G) promoting a wide range of partnerships among the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, organizations, and individuals to further the purposes of the National Heritage Corridor;
(3) consider the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, organizations, and individuals in the National Heritage Corridor in the preparation and implementation of the management plan;
(4) conduct meetings open to the public not less frequently than semiannually regarding the development and implementation of the management plan; and
(5) for any year that Federal funds have been received under this Act--
(A) submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes the activities, expenses, and income of the local coordinating entity (including grants to any other entities during the year that the report is made);
(B) make available to the Secretary for audit all records relating to the expenditure of the funds and any matching funds; and
(C) encourage by appropriate means economic viability that is consistent with the National Heritage Corridor.
(c) Prohibition on the Acquisition of Real Property.--The local coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds to acquire real property or any interest in real property. SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall submit to the Secretary for approval a proposed management plan for the National Heritage Corridor.
(b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
(1) incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Corridor;
(2) take into consideration Federal, State, local, and Tribal plans and treaty rights;
(3) include--
(A) an inventory of--
(i) the resources located in the National Heritage Corridor; and
(ii) any other property in the National Heritage Corridor that--
(I) is related to the themes of the National Heritage Corridor; and
(II) should be preserved, restored, managed, or maintained because of the significations of the property;
(B) comprehensive policies, strategies, and recommendations for conservation, funding, management, and development of the National Heritage Corridor;
(C) a description of the actions that the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, private organizations, and individuals have agreed to take to protect the natural, historical, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Corridor;
(D) a program of implementation for the management plan by the local coordinating entity that includes a description of--
(i) actions to facilitate ongoing collaboration among partners to promote plans for resource protection, restoration, and construction; and
(ii) specific commitments for implementation that have been made by the local coordinating entity or any unit of government, organization, or individual for the first 5 years of operation;
(E) the identification of sources of funding for carrying out the management plan;
(F) analysis and recommendations for means by which Federal, State, local, and Tribal programs, including the role of the National Park Service in the Corridor, may best be coordinated to carry out this Act; and
(G) an interpretative plan for the National Heritage Corridor; and
(4) recommend policies and strategies for resource management that consider and detail the application of appropriate land and water management techniques, including the development of intergovernmental and interagency cooperative agreements to protect the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Corridor.
(c) Deadline.--If a proposed management plan is not submitted to the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall be ineligible to receive additional funding under this Act until the date that the Secretary receives and approves the management plan.
(d) Approval or Disapproval of Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the management plan under section 5, the Secretary, in consultation with States and Tribal governments, shall approve or disapprove the management plan.
(2) Criteria for approval.--In determining whether to approve the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether--
(A) the local coordinating entity is representative of the diverse interests of the National Heritage Corridor, including Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, natural and historic resources protection organizations, educational institutions, businesses, recreational organizations;
(B) the local coordinating entity has afforded adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for public and governmental involvement in the preparation of the management plan; and
(C) the resource preservation and interpretation strategies contained in the management plan would adequately protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the National Heritage Corridor.
(3) Action following disapproval.--If the Secretary disapproves the management plan, the Secretary shall--
(A) advise the local coordinating entity in writing of the reasons for the disapproval;
(B) make recommendations for revisions to the management plan; and
(C) not later than 180 days after the receipt of any proposed revision of the management plan from the local coordinating entity, approve or disapprove the proposed revision.
(4) Amendments.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall approve or disapprove each amendment to the management plan that the Secretary determines make a substantial change to the management plan.
(B) Use of funds.--The local coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds to carry out any amendments to the management plan until the Secretary has approved the amendments. SEC. 6. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any other law.
(b) Consultation and Coordination.--The head of any Federal agency planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on the National Heritage Corridor is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the Secretary and the local coordinating entity to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Other Federal Agencies.--Nothing in this section--
(1) modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulation authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Federal agency;
(2) limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of the National Heritage Corridor; or
(3) modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency. SEC. 7. PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REGULATORY PROTECTIONS.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) abridges the rights of any property owner (whether public or private), including the right to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within the National Heritage Corridor;
(2) requires any property owner--
(A) to permit public access (including access by Federal, State, or local agencies) to the property of the property owner; or
(B) to modify public access or use of property of the property owner under any other Federal, State, or local law;
(3) alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency;
(4) conveys any land use or other regulatory authority to the local coordinating entity;
(5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights;
(6) enlarges or diminishes the treaty rights of any Indian Tribe within the National Heritage Corridor;
(7) diminishes--
(A) the authority of the States to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting, within the National Heritage Corridor; or
(B) the authority of Indian Tribes to regulate members of Indian Tribes with respect to fishing, hunting, and gathering in the exercise of treaty rights; or
(8) creates any liability, or affects any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any person injured on the private property. SEC. 8. EVALUATION AND REPORT.
(a) In General.--For the National Heritage Corridor, not later than 3 years before the date specified under section 9, the Secretary shall--
(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the National Heritage Corridor; and
(2) prepare a report in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Evaluation.--An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1) shall--
(1) assess the progress of the local coordinating entity with respect to--
(A) accomplishing the purposes of the National Heritage Corridor; and
(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the approved management plan for the National Heritage Corridor;
(2) analyze the investments of the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, and private entities in the National Heritage Corridor to determine the impact of the investments; and
(3) review the management structure, partnership relationships, and funding of the National Heritage Corridor for purposes of identifying the critical components for sustainability of the National Heritage Corridor.
(c) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service, if any, with respect to the National Heritage Corridor. SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
The authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Act H.R. 2024
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) National heritage area.--The term ``National Heritage Area'' means the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area established by section 3(a).
(2) Local coordinating entity.--The term ``Local Coordinating Entity'' means the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated by this Act.
(3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means the management plan for the Heritage Area required under section 5(a).
(4) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary'', numbered 672/177,225, and dated August 2021.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Maryland. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.
(a) In General.--There is established the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area in the State of Maryland, to consist of land in St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's Counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map.
(b) Local Coordinating Entity.--The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland shall serve as the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated by subsection (a). SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Authorities.--For purposes of carrying out the management plan for the National Heritage Area, the Secretary acting through the Local Coordinating Entity may use amounts made available under section 9--
(1) to make grants to the State or a political subdivisions of the State, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(2) to enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide technical assistance to, the State or a political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties;
(3) to hire and compensate staff, which shall include individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical resources protection and heritage programming;
(4) to obtain money or services from any source, including any money or services that are provided under any other Federal law or program, provided that any money specifically authorized for National Heritage areas shall be subject to a 50 percent cost-share requirement;
(5) to contract for goods or services; and
(6) to undertake or be a catalyst for any other activity that furthers the purposes of the National Heritage Area and is consistent with the approved management plan.
(b) Duties.--The Local Coordinating Entity shall--
(1) in accordance with section 5, prepare and submit a management plan for the National Heritage Area to the Secretary;
(2) assist Federal agencies, the State or a political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribes, regional planning organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties in carrying out the approved management plan by--
(A) carrying out programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resource values in the National Heritage Area;
(B) establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits and programs in the National Heritage Area;
(C) developing recreational, interpretive, and educational opportunities in the National Heritage Area;
(D) increasing public awareness of, and appreciation for, natural, historical, scenic, and cultural resources of the National Heritage Area;
(E) protecting and restoring historic sites and buildings in the National Heritage Area that are consistent with the themes of the National Heritage Area;
(F) ensuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying points of public access and sites of interest are posted throughout the National Heritage Area; and
(G) promoting a wide range of partnerships among the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, organizations, and individuals to further the purposes of the National Heritage Area;
(3) consider the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, organizations, and individuals in the National Heritage Area in the preparation and implementation of the management plan;
(4) conduct meetings open to the public not less frequently than semiannually regarding the development and implementation of the management plan; and
(5) for any year that Federal funds have been appropriated to carry out this Act--
(A) submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes the activities, expenses, and income of the Local Coordinating Entity (including grants to any other entities during the year that the report is made);
(B) make available to the Secretary for audit all records relating to the expenditure of the funds and any matching funds; and
(C) encourage by appropriate means economic viability that is consistent with the National Heritage Area.
(c) Prohibition on the Acquisition of Real Property.--The Local Coordinating Entity shall not use Federal funds to acquire real property or any interest in real property. SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Local Coordinating Entity shall submit to the Secretary for approval a proposed management plan for the National Heritage Area.
(b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
(1) incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Area;
(2) take into consideration Federal, State, local, and Tribal plans and treaty rights;
(3) include--
(A) an inventory of--
(i) the resources located in the National Heritage Area; and
(ii) any other property in the National Heritage Area that--
(I) is related to the themes of the National Heritage Area; and
(II) should be preserved, restored, managed, or maintained because of the significance of the property;
(B) comprehensive policies, strategies, and recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of the National Heritage Area;
(C) a description of activities that the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, private organizations, and individuals have agreed to carry out to protect the natural, historical, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Area;
(D) a program of implementation for the management plan by the Local Coordinating Entity that includes a description of--
(i) actions to facilitate ongoing collaboration among partners to promote plans for resource protection, restoration, and construction; and
(ii) specific commitments for implementation that have been made by the Local Coordinating Entity or any unit of government, organization, or individual for the first 5 years of operation;
(E) the identification of sources of funding for carrying out the management plan;
(F) analysis and recommendations for means by which Federal, State, local, and Tribal programs, including the role of the National Park Service in the National Heritage Area, may best be coordinated to carry out this Act; and
(G) an interpretive plan for the National Heritage Area; and
(4) recommend policies and strategies for resource management that consider and detail the application of appropriate land and water management techniques, including the development of intergovernmental and interagency cooperative agreements to protect the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Area.
(c) Deadline.--If a proposed management plan is not submitted to the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of the Act, the Local Coordinating Entity shall be ineligible to receive additional funding under this Act until the date on which the Secretary approves the management plan.
(d) Approval or Disapproval of Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the management plan under this section, the Secretary, in consultation with State and Tribal governments, shall approve or disapprove the management plan.
(2) Criteria for approval.--In determining whether to approve the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether--
(A) the Local Coordinating Entity is representative of the diverse interests of the National Heritage Area, including Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, natural and historic resource protection organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and recreational organizations;
(B) the Local Coordinating Entity has afforded adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for public and governmental involvement in the preparation of the management plan; and
(C) the resource protection and interpretation strategies contained in the management plan, if implemented, would adequately protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the National Heritage Area.
(3) Action following disapproval.--If the Secretary disapproves the management plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) advise the Local Coordinating Entity in writing of the reasons for the disapproval;
(B) make recommendations for revisions to the management plan; and
(C) not later than 180 days after the receipt of any proposed revision of the management plan from the Local Coordinating Entity, approve or disapprove the proposed revision.
(4) Amendments.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall approve or disapprove each amendment of the management plan that the Secretary determines make a substantial change to the management plan.
(B) Use of funds.--The Local Coordinating Entity shall not use Federal funds authorized by this Act to carry out any amendment to the management plan until the Secretary has approved the amendment. SEC. 6. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any other law.
(b) Consultation and Coordination.--The head of any Federal agency planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on the National Heritage Area is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the Secretary and the Local Coordinating Entity to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Other Federal Agencies.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulations authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Federal agency;
(2) limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of the National Heritage Area; or
(3) modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency. SEC. 7. PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REGULATORY PROTECTIONS.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) abridges the rights of any property owner (whether public or private), including the right to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within the National Heritage Area;
(2) requires any property owner--
(A) to permit public access (including access by Federal, State, or local agencies) to the property of the property owner; or
(B) to modify public access or use of property of the property owner under any other Federal, State, or local law;
(3) alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency;
(4) conveys any land use or other regulatory authority to the Local Coordinating Entity;
(5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights;
(6) enlarges or diminishes the treaty rights of any Indian Tribe within the National Heritage Area;
(7) diminishes--
(A) the authority of the State to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting, within the National Heritage Area; or
(B) the authority of Indian Tribes to regulate members of Indian Tribes with respect to fishing, hunting, and gathering in the exercise of treaty rights; or
(8) creates any liability, or affects any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any person injured on the private property. SEC. 8. EVALUATION AND REPORT.
(a) In General.--For the National Heritage Area, not later than 3 years before the date specified under section 9, the Secretary shall--
(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the National Heritage Area; and
(2) prepare a report in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Evaluation.--An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1) shall--
(1) assess the progress of the Local Coordinating Entity with respect to--
(A) accomplishing the purposes of the National Heritage Area; and
(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the approved management plan for the National Heritage Area;
(2) analyze the investments of the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, and private entities in the National Heritage Area to determine the impact of the investments; and
(3) review the management structure, partnership relationships, and funding of the National Heritage Area for purposes of identifying the critical components for sustainability of the National Heritage Area.
(c) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service, if any, with respect to the National Heritage Area. SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
The authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act H.R. 3222
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) National heritage area.--The term ``National Heritage Area'' means the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area established by section 3(a).
(2) Local coordinating entity.--The term ``local coordinating entity'' means the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area.
(3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means the management plan for the National Heritage Area prepared under section 5(a).
(4) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Alabama Black Belt Proposed National Heritage Area'', numbered 258/ 177,272, and dated September 2021.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Alabama. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF ALABAMA BLACK BELT NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.
(a) In General.--There is established the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama, to consist of land in Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map.
(b) Local Coordinating Entity.--The Center for the Study of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama shall serve as the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area. SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Authorities.--For purposes of carrying out the management plan for the National Heritage Area, the Secretary acting through the local coordinating entity may use amounts made available under this Act--
(1) to make grants to the State or a political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(2) to enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide technical assistance to, the State or a political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties;
(3) to hire and compensate staff, which shall include individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical resources protection and heritage programming;
(4) to obtain money or services from any source, including any money or services that are provided under any other Federal law or program, provided that any money specifically authorized for National Heritage areas shall be subject to a 50 percent cost-share requirement;
(5) to contract for goods or services; and
(6) to undertake or be a catalyst for any other activity that furthers the purposes of the National Heritage Area and is consistent with the approved management plan.
(b) Duties.--The local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area shall--
(1) in accordance with section 5, prepare and submit a management plan for the National Heritage Area to the Secretary;
(2) assist Federal agencies, the State or a political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribes, regional planning organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties in carrying out the approved management plan by--
(A) carrying out programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resource values in the National Heritage Area;
(B) establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits and programs in the National Heritage Area;
(C) developing recreational, interpretive, and educational opportunities in the National Heritage Area;
(D) increasing public awareness of, and appreciation for, natural, historical, scenic, and cultural resources of the National Heritage Area;
(E) protecting and restoring historic sites and buildings in the National Heritage Area that are consistent with the themes of the National Heritage Area;
(F) ensuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying points of public access and sites of interest are posted throughout the National Heritage Area; and
(G) promoting a wide range of partnerships among the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, organizations, and individuals to further the purposes of the National Heritage Area;
(3) consider the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, organizations, and individuals in the National Heritage Area in the preparation and implementation of the management plan;
(4) conduct meetings open to the public not less frequently than semiannually regarding the development and implementation of the management plan;
(5) for any year that Federal funds have been received under this Act--
(A) submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes the activities, expenses, and income of the local coordinating entity (including grants to any other entities during the year that the report is made);
(B) make available to the Secretary for audit all records relating to the expenditure of the funds and any matching funds; and
(C) encourage by appropriate means economic viability that is consistent with the National Heritage Area.
(c) Prohibition on the Acquisition of Real Property.--The local coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds to acquire real property or any interest in real property. SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity of the National Heritage Area shall submit to the Secretary for approval a proposed management plan for the National Heritage Area.
(b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
(1) incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Area;
(2) take into consideration Federal, State, local, and Tribal plans and treaty rights;
(3) include--
(A) an inventory of--
(i) the resources located in the National Heritage Area; and
(ii) any other property in the National Heritage Area that--
(I) is related to the themes of the National Heritage Area; and
(II) should be preserved, restored, managed, or maintained because of the significance of the property;
(B) comprehensive policies, strategies, and recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of the National Heritage Area;
(C) a description of activities that the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, private organizations, and individuals have agreed to carry out to protect the natural, historical, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Area;
(D) a program of implementation for the management plan by the local coordinating entity that includes a description of--
(i) actions to facilitate ongoing collaboration among partners to promote plans for resource protection, restoration, and construction; and
(ii) specific commitments for implementation that have been made by the local coordinating entity or any unit of government, organization, or individual for the first 5 years of operation;
(E) the identification of sources of funding for carrying out the management plan;
(F) analysis and recommendations for means by which Federal, State, local, and Tribal programs, including the role of the National Park Service in the National Heritage Area, may best be coordinated to carry out this Act; and
(G) an interpretive plan for the National Heritage Area; and
(4) recommend policies and strategies for resource management that consider and detail the application of appropriate land and water management techniques, including the development of intergovernmental and interagency cooperative agreements to protect the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the National Heritage Area.
(c) Deadline.--If a proposed management plan is not submitted to the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall be ineligible to receive additional funding under this Act until the date on which the Secretary approves the management plan.
(d) Approval or Disapproval of Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the management plan under this section, the Secretary, in consultation with State and Tribal governments, shall approve or disapprove the management plan.
(2) Criteria for approval.--In determining whether to approve the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether--
(A) the local coordinating entity is representative of the diverse interests of the National Heritage Area, including the Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, natural and historic resource protection organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and recreational organizations;
(B) the local coordinating entity has afforded adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for public and governmental involvement in the preparation of the management plan; and
(C) the resource protection and interpretation strategies contained in the management plan, if implemented, would adequately protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the National Heritage Area.
(3) Action following disapproval.--If the Secretary disapproves the management plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) advise the local coordinating entity in writing the reasons for the disapproval;
(B) make recommendations for revisions to the management plan; and
(C) not later than 180 days after the receipt of any proposed revision of the management plan from the local coordinating entity, approve or disapprove the proposed revision.
(4) Amendments.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall approve or disapprove each amendment to the management plan that the Secretary determines make a substantial change to the management plan.
(B) Use of funds.--The local coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds to carry out any amendment to the management plan until the date on which the Secretary has approved the amendment. SEC. 6. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any other law.
(b) Consultation and Coordination.--The head of any Federal agency planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on the National Heritage Area is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the Secretary and the local coordinating entity to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Other Federal Agencies.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulations authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Federal agency;
(2) limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of the National Heritage Area; or
(3) modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency. SEC. 7. PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REGULATORY PROTECTIONS.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) abridges the rights of any property owner (whether public or private), including the right to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within the National Heritage Area;
(2) requires any property owner--
(A) to permit public access (including access by Federal, State, or local agencies) to the property of the property owner; or
(B) to modify public access or use of property of the property owner under any other Federal, State, or local law;
(3) alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency;
(4) conveys any land use or other regulatory authority to the local coordinating entity;
(5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights;
(6) enlarges or diminishes the treaty rights of any Indian Tribe within the National Heritage Area;
(7) diminishes--
(A) the authority of the State to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting, within the National Heritage Area; or
(B) the authority of Indian Tribes to regulate members of Indian Tribes with respect to fishing, hunting, and gathering in the exercise of treaty rights; or
(8) creates any liability, or affects any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any person injured on the private property. SEC. 8. EVALUATION AND REPORT.
(a) In General.--For the National Heritage Area, not later than 3 years before the date specified under section 9, the Secretary shall--
(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the National Heritage Area; and
(2) prepare a report in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Evaluation.--An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1) shall--
(1) assess the progress of the local coordinating entity with respect to--
(A) accomplishing the purposes of the National Heritage Area; and
(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the approved management plan for the National Heritage Area;
(2) analyze the investments of the Federal Government, State, Tribal, and local governments, and private entities in the National Heritage Area to determine the impact of the investments; and
(3) review the management structure, partnership relationships, and funding of the National Heritage Area for purposes of identifying the critical components for sustainability of the National Heritage Area.
(c) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service, if any, with respect to the National Heritage Area. SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
The authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act H.R. 6337
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Federal recreational lands.--The term ``Federal recreational lands'' has the meaning given the term ``Federal recreational lands and waters'' in section 802(5) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801(5)).
(2) Long-distance bike trail.--The term ``long-distance bike trail'' means a continuous route, consisting of 1 or more trails or rights-of-way, that--
(A) is not less than 80 miles in length;
(B) primarily makes use of dirt or natural surface trails;
(C) may require connections along paved or other improved roads;
(D) does not include Federal recreational lands where mountain biking or related activities are not consistent with management requirements for those Federal recreational lands; and
(E) to the maximum extent practicable, makes use of trails and roads that were on Federal recreational lands on or before the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting jointly.
(4) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned'' means the following:
(A) The Secretary of the Interior, with respect to Federal recreational lands under the jurisdiction of that Secretary.
(B) The Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to Federal recreational lands under the jurisdiction of that Secretary. SEC. 3. LONG-DISTANCE BIKE TRAILS ON FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS.
(a) Identification of Long-distance Trails.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall identify--
(1) not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make use of trails and roads in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2) not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete a trail that would qualify as a long-distance bike trail.
(b) Public Comment.--The Secretaries shall--
(1) develop a process to allow members of the public to comment regarding the identification of trails and areas under subsection (a); and
(2) consider the identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails in a geographically equitable manner.
(c) Maps, Signage, and Promotional Materials.--For any long-distance bike trail identified under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may--
(1) publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue promotional materials; and
(2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non- Federal resources necessary for the stewardship, development, or completion of trails.
(d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in partnership with interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a report that lists the trails identified under subsection (a), including a summary of public comments received in accordance with the process developed under subsection (b).
(e) Conflict Avoidance With Other Uses.--The Secretary concerned shall ensure that each long-distance bike trail or area identified under subsection (a)--
(1) does not conflict with--
(A) the uses, before the date of the enactment of this Act, of any trail or road that is part of that long-distance bike trail;
(B) multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback riding, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on the date of the enactment of this Act;
(C) the purposes for which any trail was or is established under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and
(D) any area managed under the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(2) complies with land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands that are part of that long- distance bike trail. Gateway Solidarity Act H.R. 7002
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Gateway Solidarity Act''. SEC. 2. ILLUMINATION OF THE GATEWAY ARCH IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE.
To show support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the Secretary of the Interior shall illuminate the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, by blue and yellow lights--
(A) in 2022, within 15 days following enactment of this act, for no fewer than 5 consecutive days; and
(B) annually on August 24, in recognition of Ukrainian Independence Day, until the President reports to Congress that the government of the Russian Federation has ceased its destabilizing activities with respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
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